Inspection stations that don't do repairs in VA???
- Thread starter M1Accord
- Start date
- Status
Can you find a directory on your state DMV website?
Around here the fee is so low there's only one place that markets themselves as inspections only. (They sell wiper blades and light bulbs.) Sha-zam, I went in, they were full of themselves, and I sucessfully narced on them to the state police.
Around here the fee is so low there's only one place that markets themselves as inspections only. (They sell wiper blades and light bulbs.) Sha-zam, I went in, they were full of themselves, and I sucessfully narced on them to the state police.
After what happened to my Bronco, I am literally having nightmares about state inspections. It changes my perspective on car ownership. I would not touch any used vehicle unless I can get an antique tag for it. And those vehicles I can do 1/4 the work myself; therefore, shops are cheating themselves out of work. I am not exactly what shops consider good customers as I never really went in. While I am not as skilled as folks here, I have gotten by with maintenance, which helped defer repairs. I did have a lot work done by an indy fellow, who was quite honest in the beginning. But as economy took a dive, he saw me as someone who will pay his mortgage and wasteful way in one day of work. Basically, he could make 700 dollars of me in one day of work on multiple things as I live far from him and want it all done in one day. I stopped going there and the total labor I spent is roughly 2000 dollars for 2 vehicles for a decent amount of work. I was happy to spend the money for the work until I notice he over-subscribe the repairs and double the labor rate the last time around. He's on the verge of loosing his house now because people are fed-up with that. That is why he can't get jobs at shops because he would cheat them as well.
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
Nope...can't help you there.
The scary part is that people are pushing these Inspections to be a national/government. While some of the reasons make sense( emissions, making sure everyone drives a safe car), you know that it will be loaded with bull as well.
I remember reading that there was suggestions to allow a shop to charge you to fix something that would question it being road worthy. Now that would be scary.....
The scary part is that people are pushing these Inspections to be a national/government. While some of the reasons make sense( emissions, making sure everyone drives a safe car), you know that it will be loaded with bull as well.
I remember reading that there was suggestions to allow a shop to charge you to fix something that would question it being road worthy. Now that would be scary.....
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Nope...can't help you there.
The scary part is that people are pushing these Inspections to be a national/government. While some of the reasons make sense( emissions, making sure everyone drives a safe car), you know that it will be loaded with bull as well.
I remember reading that there was suggestions to allow a shop to charge you to fix something that would question it being road worthy. Now that would be scary.....
That's VA inspection right there. Either pay up or get a rejection sticker which will guarantee that you'll get a big ticket within the first 2 encounter with cops on the road. Cops look for this first as it is easy money for them.
Nope...can't help you there.
The scary part is that people are pushing these Inspections to be a national/government. While some of the reasons make sense( emissions, making sure everyone drives a safe car), you know that it will be loaded with bull as well.
I remember reading that there was suggestions to allow a shop to charge you to fix something that would question it being road worthy. Now that would be scary.....
That's VA inspection right there. Either pay up or get a rejection sticker which will guarantee that you'll get a big ticket within the first 2 encounter with cops on the road. Cops look for this first as it is easy money for them.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
Do any of the big box stores do inspections such as wal mart, strauss, firestone?
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Are there even such stations that only do inspection and not repairs? I want honest inspection of my vehicles and not wallet inspection.
There are minimum standards of equipment for state inspections that some repair shops do not have. A shop would go broke only having the ability to charge $16 per vehicle. An unjust station can be reported. Most of the things in a "safety" inspection you would want to be operational. Past driving in GA sharing the road with vehicles not required to have inspections make you appreciate them.
Are there even such stations that only do inspection and not repairs? I want honest inspection of my vehicles and not wallet inspection.
There are minimum standards of equipment for state inspections that some repair shops do not have. A shop would go broke only having the ability to charge $16 per vehicle. An unjust station can be reported. Most of the things in a "safety" inspection you would want to be operational. Past driving in GA sharing the road with vehicles not required to have inspections make you appreciate them.
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Originally Posted By: eljefino
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
I mean, you have to meet a mechanic you like and who likes you.
I remember your Bronco you were failing for jerry rigged headlight and damp axle seal, even with a rejection sticker you could ask someone "it's not that bad, is it?"
IOW, build a relationship with a mechanic before you have to go in for your sticker. It's hard if you do most of your own work and only see the guys once a year.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
I mean, you have to meet a mechanic you like and who likes you.
I remember your Bronco you were failing for jerry rigged headlight and damp axle seal, even with a rejection sticker you could ask someone "it's not that bad, is it?"
IOW, build a relationship with a mechanic before you have to go in for your sticker. It's hard if you do most of your own work and only see the guys once a year.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
Living somewhere that has them and meeting "the average idiot" they've become dependent on inspections. If we lost them people would stop having their car put up in the air every year to have someone make sure the brake lines weren't rusting out. And those would blow out at the worst time.
A motorcyclist was creamed recently by an 85 year old geezer who "didn't see him" and the cops didn't press charges. If someone got in an accident because "the brakes failed" I'm not sure if it would get accurately reflected in the statistics/ police report. (They might say "didn't stop in time" or "Followed too close".)
NJ just dumped safety inspections a year back, wonder how the heaps are doing there now.
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
Living somewhere that has them and meeting "the average idiot" they've become dependent on inspections. If we lost them people would stop having their car put up in the air every year to have someone make sure the brake lines weren't rusting out. And those would blow out at the worst time.
A motorcyclist was creamed recently by an 85 year old geezer who "didn't see him" and the cops didn't press charges. If someone got in an accident because "the brakes failed" I'm not sure if it would get accurately reflected in the statistics/ police report. (They might say "didn't stop in time" or "Followed too close".)
NJ just dumped safety inspections a year back, wonder how the heaps are doing there now.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Living somewhere that has them and meeting "the average idiot" they've become dependent on inspections. If we lost them people would stop having their car put up in the air every year to have someone make sure the brake lines weren't rusting out. And those would blow out at the worst time.
That's pretty much how it is where I live. The annual inspection is really the only time the vast majority of drivers ever have their vehicles looked at by an actual mechanic. Twenty years ago, people were at least getting oil changes done by their corner mechanics, and presumably he'd mention blatant safety issues. While today, the guy at Jiffy Lube's #1 concern is upsells.
Even with mandatory inspections, friends/family/coworkers still have ridiculous attitudes towards vehicle safety. I can't count the number of people I know talk about how their brakes or tires "barely passed" and brag about being safe for another year. Or thinking that their brakes somehow fixed themselves when the horrible squeal went away after a month of noise.
Living somewhere that has them and meeting "the average idiot" they've become dependent on inspections. If we lost them people would stop having their car put up in the air every year to have someone make sure the brake lines weren't rusting out. And those would blow out at the worst time.
That's pretty much how it is where I live. The annual inspection is really the only time the vast majority of drivers ever have their vehicles looked at by an actual mechanic. Twenty years ago, people were at least getting oil changes done by their corner mechanics, and presumably he'd mention blatant safety issues. While today, the guy at Jiffy Lube's #1 concern is upsells.
Even with mandatory inspections, friends/family/coworkers still have ridiculous attitudes towards vehicle safety. I can't count the number of people I know talk about how their brakes or tires "barely passed" and brag about being safe for another year. Or thinking that their brakes somehow fixed themselves when the horrible squeal went away after a month of noise.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
...except that's really not true. This is probably the most comprehensive review of safety inspections' effectiveness in reducing fatalities:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/inspections/Inspection Program Effectiveness Study.pdf
A simple comparison of fatality rates per miles driven is far too simplistic to have any value. From a statistical standpoint this study is by far the most comprehensive study I've seen on the subject, and the conclusion is pretty much unequivocal: state inspections reduce fatalities. The question still remains though, is it worth the cost, and is the a better way to implement safety inspections. I think the suggestion at the end of the paper has a lot of merit--to limit the inspections to the components which are the most likely to cause fatal crashes, namely tires and brakes and exterior lights.
There's little question in my mind that state inspections as they're implemented in a lot of states are simply a license to print money for independent garages. I know, because I've lived in a couple of those states...
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
...except that's really not true. This is probably the most comprehensive review of safety inspections' effectiveness in reducing fatalities:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/inspections/Inspection Program Effectiveness Study.pdf
A simple comparison of fatality rates per miles driven is far too simplistic to have any value. From a statistical standpoint this study is by far the most comprehensive study I've seen on the subject, and the conclusion is pretty much unequivocal: state inspections reduce fatalities. The question still remains though, is it worth the cost, and is the a better way to implement safety inspections. I think the suggestion at the end of the paper has a lot of merit--to limit the inspections to the components which are the most likely to cause fatal crashes, namely tires and brakes and exterior lights.
There's little question in my mind that state inspections as they're implemented in a lot of states are simply a license to print money for independent garages. I know, because I've lived in a couple of those states...
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Originally Posted By: eljefino
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
I mean, you have to meet a mechanic you like and who likes you.
I remember your Bronco you were failing for jerry rigged headlight and damp axle seal, even with a rejection sticker you could ask someone "it's not that bad, is it?"
IOW, build a relationship with a mechanic before you have to go in for your sticker. It's hard if you do most of your own work and only see the guys once a year.
The only way to build relationship with mechanics is to spend money, a lot of it, there. I drive cars that don't need fixing yet and I do my own maintenance. Therefore, my name isn't going to be in their database. And if it was, they would know who they can up-sell.
I had that "build a relationship" experience when I had someone worked on my two cars to replaced things like TB, WP, brakes, etc. These are not repair but rather routine maintenance. Building relationship ended up costing more because it seems like a lot of things needed replacement. At least they were replaced but I can tell you that not all of them needed immediate replacement. For example, and this was not in my case, if brakes fluid are good for 50k miles/2 years and only 35k miles were driven in one year, then technically they are still good for another 15k miles and one year. But I bet you shops would love to change it for you every year or six months if you let them.
Personally, I trust my own diagnostic than that of a shop. I have my best interest in mind. As adults, people should be trusted to take care of their own cars, whether via DIY or having someone else do it. In VA, the system is rigged in favor of shops as they are the one doing inspection. For my case, 3 shops said 3 completely different things. And no, none of them checked brake lines and none of my wheels ever came off.
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Originally Posted By: eljefino
You gotta drive around.
Just got back from my inspection, the mechanic that did mine drives a rat rod with iron gate hinges on the suicide doors, a stop sign for a floor pan, no fenders (legal on street rod plates), a non functional garden spigot on the side of the radiator frame, etc etc.
Just look for a hole in the wall shop with a bunch of junk cars laying around, that's busy enough they won't need to make up work.
You can't drive around. Once you failed at one shop, it is in the data base and you'll also have a fail sticker on your windshield. You are doomed.
I mean, you have to meet a mechanic you like and who likes you.
I remember your Bronco you were failing for jerry rigged headlight and damp axle seal, even with a rejection sticker you could ask someone "it's not that bad, is it?"
IOW, build a relationship with a mechanic before you have to go in for your sticker. It's hard if you do most of your own work and only see the guys once a year.
The only way to build relationship with mechanics is to spend money, a lot of it, there. I drive cars that don't need fixing yet and I do my own maintenance. Therefore, my name isn't going to be in their database. And if it was, they would know who they can up-sell.
I had that "build a relationship" experience when I had someone worked on my two cars to replaced things like TB, WP, brakes, etc. These are not repair but rather routine maintenance. Building relationship ended up costing more because it seems like a lot of things needed replacement. At least they were replaced but I can tell you that not all of them needed immediate replacement. For example, and this was not in my case, if brakes fluid are good for 50k miles/2 years and only 35k miles were driven in one year, then technically they are still good for another 15k miles and one year. But I bet you shops would love to change it for you every year or six months if you let them.
Personally, I trust my own diagnostic than that of a shop. I have my best interest in mind. As adults, people should be trusted to take care of their own cars, whether via DIY or having someone else do it. In VA, the system is rigged in favor of shops as they are the one doing inspection. For my case, 3 shops said 3 completely different things. And no, none of them checked brake lines and none of my wheels ever came off.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
There is absolutely no correlation between safety inspection and accident reduction. Lights are meant to go out from time to time. The only two things safety inspection is good for are tires and brakes but those don't get look at unless the inspection place sell those services.
In concept, I don't have a problem with safety inspections. Interestingly though, National statistics seem to point out that there is little difference in accident and fatality rates between states that have inspections programs and those that do not. Draw your own conclusions on the effectiveness of said programs...
There is absolutely no correlation between safety inspection and accident reduction. Lights are meant to go out from time to time. The only two things safety inspection is good for are tires and brakes but those don't get look at unless the inspection place sell those services.
Kinda glad that NY does have a safety inspection. Yeah it's a PITA on an older car. At least it gets folks thinking about tires/brakes once a year before they rear-end me due to bald tires in the winter or failing brakes in the summer. It does keep the worst of the junk off of the roads.
We have oil change places that are licensed to do inspections here in NY. Never went to one, on the guess that they'd attempt to sell me on un-necessary maintenance to get a kickback from whatever garage they're affiliated with. At least around here, it seems the indy garages give a fairer shake than the chain repair shops.
We have oil change places that are licensed to do inspections here in NY. Never went to one, on the guess that they'd attempt to sell me on un-necessary maintenance to get a kickback from whatever garage they're affiliated with. At least around here, it seems the indy garages give a fairer shake than the chain repair shops.
Last edited:
- Status
